A growing concern observed last year was the lack of lateral branches—or “feathers”—on young apple trees, especially in high-density training systems like tall spindle. This can lead to "blind wood"—sections of trunk without productive branches—which can limit yield and canopy development.One...

Handwashing is one of the key hygienic practices that can reduce the spread of diseases and foodborne illnesses along the farm to fork continuum. We use hands to complete several tasks throughout the day and in so doing, we touch many different surfaces, some of which may contain organisms that may...

Tomato and pepper transplants have been planted in all three high tunnels at DSAC. The control tunnel, no cover crop or cut flower treatments in last 4 years, was planted with tomatoes on April 9 and peppers on April 18. The treatment tunnel, cover crop and cut flower plots established the past 4...

Our area has been a little on the wet side lately.  We have had over 9” of rain for the Month of April (as of 4/29) and more rain chances in the forecast before the month is over.  Temperatures have been about average and we have only had a handful of days this year over 80°. We endured...

Illinois state climatologist, Trent Ford, shared this updated freeze risk alert for next week. After a warm March and first week of April, unseasonably cold air is going to move into the Midwest and bring a risk of widespread freeze across Illinois. The updated forecasts from the GFS (American) and...

Sprayers are up and running for the 2025 season.  Plasticulture strawberries are uncovered, and the first round of fungicide has been applied, as well as the first dose of fertilizer.  So far, no signs of ...

Vegetable transplants are growing well in the greenhouse and should be ready for planting within our high tunnels in the next 2 to 3 weeks. Peaches are in bloom and the summer apple variety in my front yard was at tight cluster. In partnership with our local high school FFA clubs, we hosted another...

Don’t expect it for the 2025 season in Illinois but look for a new apple and pear thinner from ADAMA under the trade name Brevis SG possibly in 2026.  The company’s U.S.  launch will start with Washington state this year, then expand in 2026.  The active ingredient, metamitron works...

Norovirus is the number one cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. The number of Norovirus cases reported to the...

This past week, after much preparation and study, I bench-grafted 24 semi-dwarf apple trees with a grafting-knowledgeable friend on Thursday the 13th in Bloomington. Grafting method used was the whip-and-tongue graft. With daytime temperatures topping out at 68F, and a light breeze, we couldn’t...